The UK is one of the world’s top destinations for immigrants. With a strong economy, global opportunities, and English as a widely spoken language, it’s easy to see the appeal. But moving to the UK involves more than just packing your bag. Navigating visa requirements and residence permits can feel overwhelming at first. This Remitly guide will walk you through the different types of permits, eligibility requirements, and application processes. Thousands of people successfully obtain their UK residence permit every year, and with the right preparation, you can too.
What is a UK residence permit?
A UK residence permit confirms your legal right to stay in Britain beyond a short-term visa. Different permits give you different rights. For example, some allow you to live and study in the UK, while others allow you to work.
- A visa is the initial entry clearance that lets you enter the UK for a specific purpose (work, study, family, tourism, etc.).
- A residence permit is proof that you have permission to remain in the UK for a set amount of time. Until recently, this was a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card.
- Settlement status (Indefinite Leave to Remain) gives you the long-term right to live in Britain without immigration time limits. This is not the same as citizenship, which gives you full rights such as voting in general elections and holding a British passport.
The UK is phasing out physical BRP cards and moving to online eVisas. As of 2025, a UK residence permit is no longer a physical document, but instead an online record of your immigration status.
Holding a residence permit means:
- Following the conditions of your visa (for example, work limits on a student visa).
- Respecting UK laws, since you are subject to the same legal obligations as citizens.
Types of UK residence permits available
The UK offers several immigration routes that can lead to residence. Below are the main categories:
Work-based permits
Skilled Worker visas allow qualified professionals to live and work in the UK. To qualify, you have to:
- Work for a Home Office-approved employer
- Hold a certificate of sponsorship
- Do a job on the list of eligible occupations
- Meet the minimum salary threshold (41,700 GBP per year as of 22 July 2025, consult the official table for specific occupation code figures)
Applications are done online and can be made inside or outside the UK. Visas are usually valid for up to five years and can be extended.
Global Talent visas are aimed at people with exceptional abilities in:
- Academia or research
- Arts and culture
- Digital technology
Winners of prestigious prizes in one of these fields can apply directly. Otherwise, you’ll need an endorsement from an approved body or an approved research grant for scientific research.
Senior or Specialist Worker visas (Global Business Mobility Route) replaced the old Intra-company Transfer visa. Designed for employees of multinational companies relocating to the UK branch. To qualify, you have to:
- Already work for an approved sponsor
- Earn at least 52,500 GBP per year
- Do a job on the list of eligible occupations
This visa usually lasts up to five years, or nine years for higher earners.
Family-based permits
Spouse/Partner visas are for partners of UK residents who are:
- British or Irish citizens
- Holders of settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain, EU Settlement Scheme, etc.)
- Refugees or granted humanitarian protection
Requirements include:
- Proof of marriage or civil partnership, or at least two years living together in a relationship
- Passing an English language test
- A combined annual income of at least 29,000 GBP
Child and Dependent visas are for children under 18 to join a parent who is settled in the UK. Children must be unmarried and financially dependent.
Parent visas are designed for parents of children living in the UK who are under 18 and either British/Irish, settled, or have lived continuously in the UK for seven or more years.
Study-related permits
Student visa. You can apply to study in the UK if you are over the age of 16 and:
- Have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
- Can prove you have enough money to support yourself while you study
- Can speak English
- Have parental consent if under 18
Visas last up to five years for degree-level courses, and are shorter for others. Limited work during term-time is allowed, but self-employment is not.
Graduate visas are for students who have completed a degree in the UK. It allows you to stay and work (including self-employment) for two years, or three years for PhD graduates.
Investment and business permits
Innovator Founder visas are for entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea that is viable, scalable, and endorsed by an approved UK body. This replaced the old Start-up visa.
Self-employment. The UK doesn’t offer a direct self-employed visa. However, entrepreneurs may qualify through the Innovator Founder route or by setting up a UK company and sponsoring themselves under the Skilled Worker scheme.
UK residence permit eligibility requirements
Each visa type has its own rules, but most UK residence permits share some general eligibility requirements:
- You usually need to be 18 or older, unless applying as a child dependent.
- Applicants from certain countries must take a tuberculosis (TB) test before applying.
- You have to disclose any criminal convictions. Serious offences can lead to refusal.
- Many visas require proof that you can support yourself financially. This may include:
- Bank statements or payslips
- Job offers and salary details
- Sponsor letters (for students or employees)
- For most UK visas, you’ll need to be proficient in English. If you are from a country that has English as an official language, this requirement may be waived.
Step-by-step application process
Here’s how to get a UK residence permit, step-by-step:
Before you apply
- Gather the key documents. Depending on your visa, this could include:
- Bank statements or payslips
- Job offers or a sponsorship certificate
- Valid passport
- CAS letter (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
- Marriage or birth certificates
- Criminal record check
- Proof of English proficiency
Start preparing three to six months in advance, especially if documents need translating or notarising. Also, budget for application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which most applicants must pay.
Submitting your application
- Apply online through the official GOV.UK portal.
- Prove your identity either via the UK Immigration ID Check app or at a visa application centre. At centres, you’ll also provide biometrics (photo and fingerprints).
- Upload your supporting documents.
- Pay the required fees:
- IHS surcharge (776 GBP per year for children and students; 1,035 GBP per year for most adults).
- Visa application fee (varies by category).
Applications can usually be submitted up to three months before your intended work start date and six months before your study course begins.
After submission
Processing times vary:
- Standard service: around three to eight weeks for most visas.
- Priority/fast-track services may be available for an additional fee.
You’ll receive a decision by letter or by email. If successful, your status will be stored as a digital eVisa.
Common challenges and how to overcome them
Many applications are delayed, or even refused, because of avoidable mistakes. Here are some of the most common issues and how to deal with them:
- Document issues: All documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by an official translation. Missing or uncertified translations are a top reason for refusals.
- Financial proof: Make sure you meet the minimum income or savings thresholds for your visa type. Keep at least 28 days’ worth of bank statements ready and ensure your payslips or job offer match Home Office requirements.
- Proving genuine relationships (family visas): Provide strong evidence such as joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, bank accounts, or photos. Inconsistent or weak proof may result in refusal.
- Gaps in employment or study: The Home Office may question long, unexplained breaks. Collect reference letters from employers, teachers, or other credible sources before applying.
Life after getting your UK residence permit
A UK residence permit opens the door to studying, living, or working in Britain, but it also comes with responsibilities.
- Follow the rules of your permit. Some allow you to change jobs, while others ban work altogether. Breaking these conditions can lead to cancellation and removal from the UK.
- Obey UK laws. Criminal charges can make it difficult, or impossible, to extend your stay or apply for settlement.
Path to settlement
Many visas can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), usually after five years of continuous residence. ILR gives you the freedom to work, study, access healthcare, and travel in and out of the UK. However, if you stay outside the UK for two or more years, you’ll lose your ILR status.
Becoming a citizen
Once you’ve held Indefinite Leave to Remain for 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship. Citizenship gives you the full rights of a UK national and can only be revoked in extreme circumstances, such as national security concerns. For those planning a permanent future in Britain, this is the most secure option.
FAQs
Can I work with a UK residence permit?
It depends on your visa type. For example:
- Skilled Worker visas allow full-time employment.
- Student visas typically allow only part-time work during term time.
Your eVisa or BRP confirmation will detail exactly what work you’re allowed to do.
How long does a UK residence permit last?
Duration varies by visa:
- Student visas last up to five years (length of course).
- Graduate visas last two years (or three years for PhDs).
- Work visas typically last five years, sometimes longer.
Many visas can be renewed if you continue to meet eligibility requirements.
Can my family join me on a UK residence permit?
Typically, your family members will need to apply for their own visa, and if you are on a temporary UK residence permit, the application may be turned down.
What happens if my UK residence permit application is refused?
If refused, your notification will explain why. You may be able to request an administrative review if an error was made, or lodge an appeal for certain visa types, e.g., human rights claims. Act promptly to provide any missing documents or evidence to support your case.
Can I travel outside the UK with a residence permit?
Most UK residence permits allow travel in and out of the UK while valid. However, long absences from the UK can affect your eligibility for settlement. For example, you will lose your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you stay outside of the country for two years.